Chad Lehrmann

In my first year of teaching, I tried to speak to every student that walked by my room, even if they were not my own. Nothing more than a "hi" or "good morning," but it was an impactful thing.

I have begun to realize that somewhere along the way, I stopped doing that. And, applying full correlation DOES equal causation, I think that has an affect on my mood. I tend to be grumpier and more negative when I do not cordially greet as many people as I can.

This morning, I went up from my basement classroom to the third floor to talk with a teacher who turned out to be out today. I was a bit frustrated that I walked all that way, with a knee that was hurt doing STAAR testing (seriously, that is not a joke).

But on the way down, I started saying "good morning" to everyone I encountered.

I found my mood improving with each interaction. I was smiling more, even when the recipient ignored it or did not hear it.

So here is a challenge- say "good morning" or some sort of greeting to as many people as you can today. (Or tomorrow, if you read this later.)

It not only makes a difference to the one you say it to, it makes a difference to you.

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I teach Psychology, Sociology, World History Honors and Debate at College Station High School, as well as coach the debate team, sponsor the TED Ed Club, and I am the Lead Innovator for LEADS CSISD (A student leadership empowerment program for 5th-8th graders). I am an aspiring administrator.